Ilua town in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State was agog with joy and cultural splendour on Monday, January 5, 2026, as Prince Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere of the Iko Ruling House was formally installed as the new Onilua of Ilualand.
The installation followed the approval of his appointment by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, conveyed in an official letter dated December 31, 2025, and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. A. M. Olajide.
The historic ceremony, held in Ilua, attracted an impressive array of royal fathers, traditional chiefs, political leaders, community stakeholders, and jubilant indigenes.
Prominent among those in attendance was the Onjo of Òkehò, His Royal Majesty Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha, Iba Ogan, alongside notable chiefs including Chief Steven Daramola, the Baale of Meseole, Chief Bashir Shittu Bolanle, members of the Ilua Kingmakers, and other dignitaries and well-wishers.
The traditional rites of installation were conducted by the Asako of Ilua, Chief Rasaq Ogunleke, who formally crowned the monarch by placing the sacred Akòko leaves upon his head, in strict adherence to the customs and traditions of Ilualand. Chief Ogunleke offered prayers for the new monarch, beseeching God to grant him good health, longevity, wisdom, and prosperity, enabling him to reign successfully on the throne of his forefathers.
In his remarks, the Onjo of Òkehò congratulated the new Onilua and charged him to embrace inclusive leadership, stressing that unity and collective responsibility would be crucial to fostering sustainable development, peace, and progress in Ilua. He also expressed profound appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to due process, as well as to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. A. M. Olajide, and the Chairman of Kajola Local Government, Hon. Barr. Akeem Mustapha, for their roles in ensuring a smooth and credible installation process.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Azeez Ogundijo, a PDP chieftain and respected community leader, thanked the Oyo State Government, traditional authorities, kingmakers, and the people of Ilua for their cooperation and support, describing the event as a new dawn for Ilualand.
The programme moderator, Mr. Gbenga Awolola, paid glowing tributes to the late Onilua of Ilua, Oba Samuel Durodola, and other departed leaders including the Asiwaju of Ilua, Chief Elijah Adeojo; the late Sobaloju, Chief Salami Aderibigbe; and the late Balogun, Chief Oyebamiji. He acknowledged their pivotal roles and sacrifices toward the eventual ascension of Prince Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.
The hitch-free ceremony climaxed with interfaith prayers, reflecting the unity and harmony of the community. Islamic prayers were offered by Alfa Isiaq Kehinde Adebayo, Christian prayers by Deacon David Awolola, while traditional prayers were led by Chief Johnson Oyeniyi Ifakorede.
The installation of Oba Ashiru Oyebisi Olalere as the Onilua of Ilualand marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Ilua, with widespread optimism that his reign will usher in peace, unity, and accelerated development for the ancient town.
